Check out our reviews of the best longboards for kids. We want to help you decide on that perfect Christmas, birthday, or holiday gift!
Kids’ love for outdoors is a testament to their fun, energy-filled, and positive outlook in life. This is also a chance where they can be more independent because they have usually more time and resources in their hands – not to mention more playmates.
In this regard, skateboarding is one of those sports you as a parent can introduce to your kid. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that kids younger than 5 years should not skateboard. Consequently, for kids between 6 and 10 years of age, they can engage in the sport as long as there is an adult watching.
You may like to read: Pedal Go Karts for Kids – Ages 6-12 Year-Olds
Top 5 Kids Longboards
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Top | San Diego Palms Longboard - 34.5" x 8" | Buy Now | |
Top | Playshion 39 Inch Drop - "Coconut Tree" | Buy Now | |
 | VOLADOR 40 Inch Maple Longboard - Basic Cruiser (Tunnel) | Buy Now | |
 | Magneto 44 Inch Kicktail Cruiser | Buy Now | |
 | WHOME 31" Pro Small Longboard Carving | Buy Now |
Kids and young teens above 10 years old, with proper practice, can learn how to independently ride the board over time. The recommended age level indicated in our reviews of the best kids longboards does not limit the use to kids alone. Adults can also use most of these – as long as they do not exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit.
Longboards are different from shortboards because they are usually faster and are perfect for cruising and racing while shortboards are mostly recommended for doing tricks and riding in skateparks.
A lot of longboards for beginners are available in the market and both cheap longboards and the more expensive ones vary in size, shape, and design, among many others.
Best Starter Longboards: Which Longboard Type Should You Go For?
There are four types of longboards and they depend on what the rider plans to use it for:
- Cruising is for carving down sloped streets or just traveling along. Beginners’ most recommended size would be between 32 and 42 inches, irrespective of the user’s height.
- Downhill skateboarding is the most competitive type. This is for the more experienced riders and would usually require a 40-inch board or longer.
- Freeriding, on the other hand, means riding hills at a decent speed and would require some skill and comfort at faster speeds. The recommended board is between 38 and 42 inches.
- Finally, freestyle does not require that much and is open to both newbies and professionals. As a result, it can challenge the kid’s creativity and probably your decision would factor in the design and color pattern of the board.
With a wide range of available longboards for beginners, it is normal for some parents to make mistakes when buying one. The rule of thumb says that the longer the length, the more stable the board is. Here we list down the key factors to consider when looking for the best longboards for kids so you can find your kid’s perfect outdoor partner.
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Best Longboards for Kids: Factors to Consider
- Plywood is the most common material that makes up a longboard. Longboard decks, the core component, usually comprise of many layers. Manufacturers may use bamboo, maple, birch, hybrid, and/or composite for the deck’s bases. Look for decks that feature simpler designs such as having minimal bending in the wood. This is ideal for beginners or what they call “easy-riders.”
- Next to decks are trucks, which are made of the axle, hanger, kingpin, and bushings, and wheels, which can range from 64-80 mm in diameter and are usually made of polyurethane. When considering trucks, you also have various options. For example, a board that measures between 32 and 36 inches in length, some experts recommend a reverse kingpin truck so the kid can turn the deck easily.
- Decks under 32 inches will be suitable for a traditional or standard kingpin. The front and back wheels are further from each other and contribute to a more stable ride on a smaller platform.
- In terms of wheels, certainly, smaller wheels are easier to push and slide. Longboards for beginners are said to be better if the wheels are in the 60 to 66 mm range.
- Kids can be described as casual riders. If they are just learning the sport, choose gripping or cruising wheels – that is, there is likely less possibility for them to perform slides.
- Finally, do not forget to choose the color and design that your kid will love. While we tend to focus on what board is the best in terms of quality and safety guarantee, most kids would care less what the material is – so long that they can relate well to the color and/or design.
Best Longboards for Kids: What to Keep in Mind
Note that we are focusing on younger and smaller riders. Adults will have different needs depending on their level of expertise. Also, ensure that your kid wears a helmet at all times so they can protect themselves better from possible injuries.
If you are ready to check out our best starter longboards, we most certainly are as well!
Best Starter Longboards for Beginners
1. ReDo Skateboard 34.5″ x 8″ San Diego Palms Longboard
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 8 to 11 years
What is great about this longboard: Nice, soft wheels and graphic plus trucks that do not squeak
What is not so great about this longboard: Not recommended for professional skaters
Description:
This ReDo San Diego Bright Palms Longboard measures 34.5” x 8” – a complete high-quality, cruiser longboard made from 8-ply full sheet-rock hard maple.
The longboard’s custom wheels and brushings cause a tighter turn radius, helping the rider maneuver and steer with less difficulty. Also, the board offers a wider shape for increased edge control.
It has carbon steel ReDo Abec 7 speed bearings, 5-inch Geo Full Aluminum trucks with a hardened axle, 65 mm 78A soft urethane wheels, and smooth 88A medium bushings – all contributing to one smooth, perfect ride.
When your kid jumps up and down on it, the board will show a little flex. It is quite good at dealing with rough pavement and cracks.
Lightweight, with maximum maneuverability, and high definition graphics on the bottom of the deck, this board is perfect when your kid cruises down the boardwalk. Certainly, not a twitchy board.
While more expensive than other best starter longboards, ReDo Skateboard Co. has carefully crafted the board to offer ease, trick capability, and balance so every purchase will be worth your money.
Buy on Amazon
2. Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard Cruiser
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 10 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Good for cruising and carving
What is not so great about this longboard: A bit hard to stop once you pick up speed because the board is a bit heavier than other longboards for beginners
Description:
This Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Skateboard Cruiser measures 39” x 9.1”. A drop through choice among other longboards for beginners, kids, and adults can easily learn how to ride it due to its low, 4-inch ground clearance.
The board’s drop through mounting technology makes this possible. Thus, kids can easily break with the right foot and push it as well.
It is a multi-function board ideal for cruising, sliding, curving, downhill, freeride, and freestyle. Its 7-inch reverse kingpin aluminum longboard trucks can handle sliding easily. You can adjust the trucks and kingpin if you want to tighten (for high-speed stability) or loosen (for better turns) them.
The width of the wheels is 51 mm so the rider has more control and can ride in different types of roads. The bearings are made of bearing steel. Nylon ball cages reduce friction as you rotate the bearings.
With the capability to hold up to 250 lbs., it features a slightly concave deck with a flat and symmetrical design that secures the feet to the board to facilitate running.
As always, caution is advised for new riders especially kids.
3. VOLADOR 40inch Maple Longboard – Basic Cruiser
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 10 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Sturdy, safe and comfortable especially for kids and beginners
What is not so great about this longboard: The wheels are a bit harder and the bearings are not as great as other longboards for beginners but you can always change them if you want.
Description:
This VOLADOR Basic Cruiser 40-inch, 100% maple longboard is designed to meet the basic needs of longboard beginners. It is strong enough to handle most riders – from kids to teens to adults of varying heights and weights.
The durable 70 mm, 80A PU (polyurethane) wheels work with ABEC-7 precision bearings for a smooth ride. The deck shape has passed the engineering test. As a result, the longboard helps avoid wheel bite from any angle. Thus, better maneuverability.
The manufacturer only uses top-quality materials like genuine aluminum alloy trucks, carbon steel bolts, chrome steel bearings, and high rebound PU wheels.
Just some recommended adjustments before you or your kid begin the fun and adventure:
Firstly, tighten up the screws holding the trucks to the board. Next, loosen up the nuts over the wheels. You can use a middle-sized socket on your skateboard T-tool to loosen them up for about 30 degrees.
Also, the slightly concave, as other best longboards for kids feature, helps riders enjoy powerful paddling and acceleration.
Finally, the board’s geometric art makes it stand out from the crowd. The bottom graphic is very durable and will never fade with time, as promised by Volador.
Buy on Amazon
4. Magneto 44-Inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard 
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 12 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Ideal for adult riders who want to enjoy riding themselves and teach their kids how to skate at the same time
What is not so great about this longboard: Requires a bit more time to get used to the wide spread of the wheels and looser trucks
Description:
This Magneto 44-Inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard features bamboo and hard maple deck and comes in two-wheel color variants: red and blue. It is a great option for beginners and professionals alike – certainly, one of the best longboards for kids and teens, and adults as well.
While it is a bit longer than other longboards for beginners, it is specifically designed for cruising and skating. The board measures 9 inches wide and sits 5 inches above the ground. Most noteworthy, Kicktails had functionality in mind when it created this so you can use it for all sorts of riding styles.
The deck is made of bamboo veneer on top and bottom while the core boasts of maple wood for added strength and stiffness. Besides, the logo is laser etched directly into the bamboo, adding greater aesthetic appeal to its overall look.
Furthermore, the aluminum 7-inch trucks allow for gliding around smoothly on the board’s 70 mm x 51 mm urethane wheels. Certainly, one of the best starter longboards for kids and adults who want to get into longboarding!
Buy on Amazon
Cheap Longboards for Beginners
5. WHOME Longboards Skateboard – 31″ Pro Small Longboard | Carving Cruising Skateboard
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 5 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Very smooth wheels and strong and flexible plywood
What is not so great about this longboard: Some may feel that the bushings for the trucks and the bearings on the wheels are set too tightly.
Description:
This WHOME 31″ Pro Small Longboard is a carving and cruising longboard ideal for adults, youth, kids, and beginners – boys and girls alike. If you prefer cheap longboards for beginners, consider adding this to your cart. It is also suitable for freeride and freestyle as well as commuting and dancing.
It is very versatile, provides enough traction for more stable skateboarding, and can accommodate a maximum load of 198 lbs. The deck is made of an 8-layer, alpine hard rock maple wood.
When you buy this longboard, you get the WHOME all-in-one T-tool, a 12-month warranty, and most of all, a friendly customer service. The T-tool allows you to loosen or tighten the trucks to your preference.
For those who want to do tricks, consider purchasing a double kick skateboard – this type is more apt for ollie and flips, to name a few.
Available in three colorful variants and gorgeous designs (the artwork has been described to be more beautiful than the pictures), the board is also relatively easy to use. Long-time boarders recognize its quality and value for money. Highly recommended for your choice of best starter longboard!
Buy on Amazon
6. Playshion Skateboard Complete Cruiser for Kids and Beginners
Type: Longboards Skateboard
Age level: 5 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Great, smooth, and soft riding wheels
What is not so great about this longboard: The smallest length in our list, it limits your opportunities to do tricks but works perfectly as a cruiser.
Description:
This Playshion Skateboard Complete Cruiser for Kids is one of the best cheap longboards for beginners that you can find at Amazon now. Available in five variants – Beauty, Brown, Colorful, Lemon, and Red – it is perfect for cruising in urban roads.
Similar to the first longboard in this list, this longboard is a testament to Playshion’s commitment to supply high quality and diverse range of longboards that are competitively priced, securely packaged, and dispatched on time.
It is 28 inches in length with a sturdy wood deck that can hold up to 220 lbs. Also, its durable wheels make skateboard easy to ride and turn, encouraging more fun play for your kid.
The kicktail design for excellent control and braking, durable Pu wheels that make it a smooth riding board, and the Abec-9 bearings that are quieter when working make this one of the best starter cheap longboards in the market.
Just note that the wheels cannot work on the typical quad roller skates or a 22-inch skateboard if you have plans of using them for such purpose.
A satisfied user claims to have ridden this longboard for less than an hour and being able to break traction and speed check/slide – exactly what he needed. One even described the experience as similar to riding on water. Your kid will surely love this!
Buy on Amazon
7. ChromeWheels 31-Inch Complete Longboard | Double Kick Skateboard
Type: Standard Skateboards
Age level: 5 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Solid board to learn on and easy to ride on sloped streets or go down on ramps and good wheels
What is not so great about this longboard: Handle with care the shipment box as the zipper tends to get easily broken.
Description:
If you are looking for the best starter longboard for your child, this ChromeWheels 31-Inch Complete Longboard is worth checking out. It is suitable for all level skaters and features a double kick concave design with vintage patterns that allows for better control and easy brakes.
Similar to other cheap longboards for beginners, it is made of up 8-layer maple wood skateboard and emery non-slip surface that allows for a stable and more powerful grip during longboarding.
The deck size measures 31-inch (L) x 8-inch (W) x 5-inch (H). The PU wheels’ diameter is 50 mm x 36 mm. It can support a maximum of 100 kg or 220 lbs.
Whether smooth surfaces or rough ones, this longboard can help your kid master the art of the sport. Furthermore, the skateboard boasts of high-quality, thick aluminum trucks and steel axle. This supports higher weight and facilitates faster speed.
Satisfied user tip: Take the bushings and put them in boiling water for about 10 minutes if you want to make sharp turns or improve its capability to turn. Bushings are the little black squishy parts in between the metal.
It even comes with a carrying bag for easy storage and better protection. Kids and teens alike will improve their sense of balance and encourage their love for the sport with this best starter longboard.
Buy on Amazon
8. Geelife 7-Layer Deck 31″ x 8″ Pro Complete Longboard
Type: Standard Skateboards
Age level: 5 years and up
What is great about this longboard: Very sturdy board with good wheels and bearings – and attractive designs
What is not so great about this longboard: Trucks may be a bit loose upon delivery so we recommend that you tighten them a lot.
Description:
This Geelife 7-Layer Deck 31-Inch Pro Complete Longboard is one of the best longboards for kids at Amazon. In fact, it has already been purchased by thousands of buyers.
Made of aluminum and maple wood, the board’s width is 8 inches while the wheelbase is 15.7 inches. You can choose from six color variants, namely Dream, Earl, Force, Nebulae, Stardust, and Universe.
Lightweight and guaranteed optimal shape, your kid can use this longboard in streets, skate parks, and ramps. They can also skateboard in pools and other smooth surfaces – or even rough ones.
The deck has a mild concave while the medium-sized wheel wells create ideal foot pockets for stalls and manuals.
Intending to keep it in good working condition and for a longer lifespan? Regularly eliminate soil or mud using a wet cloth. Do not worry about whether it will be difficult to clean – it will not be! This is due to the product’s high-density, waterproof grip tape.
Most noteworthy, the board can accommodate both kids and adults. It has double the usual maximum capacity of other cheap longboards for beginners.
Buy on Amazon
Our Verdict of the Best Longboards for Kids
The best longboards for kids in this list each have their advantages and disadvantages over the other longboards for beginners. What is common among these choices is the manufacturer’s guarantee that whatever you choose, the product can deliver its promise.
Aside from helmets, consider buying wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and goggles or shatterproof glasses before you allow your kid to skate. Also, remind them to use their closed-toe shoes – preferably those that have soles that do not slip.
There are longboards that you may wonder if the length will be a struggle to handle for your kid. We want to cater to all personal traits and levels of expertise – and certainly, each child has different needs.
This is why we hope that our best longboards for kids can help you in your search for that perfect gift. Buy one now and develop your kid’s mental and physical ability as well as their coordination skills!
FAQs for Kids Longboards
1. What longboards are good for cruising?
For anyone just getting started with longboarding, cruising is the first style that is easiest to learn. You can pick longboards that measure 32 to 42 inches in size. Longboard with soft flex is fun for light cruising and tricks while those with medium flex is ideal for moderate speed cruising as well as commuting. Both square and round wheels make for an excellent cruising too.
2. What shape of longboard is good for beginners?
Most longboard shapes will work for cruising and carving. Pintail is the classic shape that makes for comfortable and easy riding while a cruiser is more compact in shape and ideal for crowded city cruising. Drop-through longboards have lower clearance from the ground so they are easier to push. They are more stable than pintails when it comes to cruising but they have a larger turning radius. Drop down is when the deck is closer to the ground. It is easier to push but your kid may have a hard time turning it.
3. How do longboard trucks work?
Longboard trucks are those metal T-shaped pieces that are attached to the wheels and mounted onto the underside of the deck. Every longboard has two trucks. The best way to choose the perfect longboard trucks is to choose trucks that are nearest to the width of the deck. Cruising decks will usually have widths less than 8.5 inches while carving decks have widths greater than 8.5 and less than 10.5 inches.
4. Longboard – how to stop it?
Many techniques can be used to pause or stop a longboard. Kids can stop by just hopping off the longboard, rolling onto rough surface, and through foot braking. The last one is quite technical but your kid should end up doing it naturally over time.
5. When to replace longboard wheels
Anything that is constantly being used will wear down eventually. Depending on how often that use is, you can swap your wheels every two to three months. To increase their lifespan, try rotating them as well to even them out.
